The ultimate one stop shop, the mall to rule all other malls, the Mall of America offers not just a little shopping, but all day thrills. The mall totals 4,200,000 sq ft and as one may imagine, has a plethora of shopping and dining options. Some highlights include The Theme Park Food Court, LEGO, the American Girl Doll store, the Apple Store and Microsoft store. However, what really makes this mall a major attraction is its indoor theme park, Nickelodeon Universe, and aquarium. With something to suit every age, taste and style, the Mall of America packs a week's worth of family friendly activities into a single megamall.

My ratings by kids age

MOA has something for everyone

Mall of America (MOA) is Minnesota’s largest attraction and for good reason. It has everything: hundreds of stores, a movie theater, miniature golf, maze of mirrors and, of course, the popular theme park in the center called Nickelodeon Universe. MOA is actually my local shopping mall but my kids love it mainly for the rides. The best days to go are when the local public schools are in session. As for food, the selections are plentiful and range from sit down options to a large food court. Nearly all of the local hotels offer shuttle service to the mall.

Tips for Families

1. Each parking area is marked with a state and icon (eg: Hawaii, Pineapple). I suggest you take a photo of your parking region and take note of which garage your car is parked in (east or west) because it’s very easy to lose your car. 2. Stop into Peeps for free candy samples. 3. Weekends in Nickelodeon the kids can have meet and greets with popular Nickelodeon characters (Dora, Diego, Sponge Bob, Patrick and many more). Look for the Green and Blue Spots for times.

Suggestions for nearby family-friendly accommodations

The new Radisson Blue is attached to the mall. Country Inn & Suites is the next closest and just a quick walk across Killebrew.

Suggestions for nearby family-friendly restaurants

American Girl Bistro in the mall is a favorite with my girl and it overlooks Nickelodeon Universe. Cantina #1 is another family favorite.

Saint Paul, Minnesota

My ratings by kids age

Lots of fun

We live pretty close to the mall of America so we get to visit there quite often. There is always lots of fun activities going on there. We love to go to the amusement park in the mall. They have rides for kids of all ages there. They also have any kind of store you can think of. You can also find any kind of food you are craving while shopping or playing. They have both fast food and sit down restaurants. Our kids love to go just for an evening to walk around or on the weekend to play games or ride rides. We are so glad we live so close to the mall.

Tips for Families

They have toddler Tuesdays on Tuesdays and give discounts for different things. Also usually in the evenings the ride wristbands are cheaper.